by Crimethinc. Workers' Collective
Available in 284 free installments
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An affinity group can work together with other affinity groups, in what is sometimes called a cluster. The cluster formation enables a larger number of individuals to act with
the same advantages a single affinity group has. If speed or secrecy is called for, representatives of each group can meet ahead of time, rather than the entirety of all groups;
if coordination is of the essence, the groups or representatives can arrange methods
for communicating through the heat of the action. Over years of collaborating together,
different affinity groups can come to know each other as weU as they know themselves,'
and become accordingly more comfortable and capable together. ^ When several dusters of affinity groups need to coordinate especially massive actions?for a big demonstration, for example?they can hold a spokescouncil meeting.
In this author's humble experience, the most effective, constructive spokescouncils are
those that limit themselves to providing a forum in which different affinity groups and
clusters can inform one another (to whatever extent is wise) of their intentions, rather
than seeking to direct activity or dictate principles for all. Such an unwieldy format is
ill-suited to lengthy discussion, let alone debate; and whatever decisions are made or ^°'' "" ^'^^ y°^'' ^''^"^^ massages
limitations imposed, by such a spokescouncil will inevitably fail to represent the wishes °" ' '''^"''' ^'?' '^J' '^'" ^"'^
of all involved, ^e independence and spontaneity that dLentralizLl" ro^dl a^I ''''''"' "^ '"'''' '"' '^' '''''?
our greatest advantages in combat with an enemy that has all the other advantages,
anyway?why sacrifice these.>
TTie affinity group is not only a vehicle for changing the world?like any good anarchist practice, it is also a model for alternative worlds, and a seed from which such worlds can grow. In an anarchist economy, decisions are not made by boards of directors, nor tasks carried out by masses of worker drones: affinity groups decide and act together. Indeed, the affinity group/cluster/spokescouncil model is simply another incarnation of the communes and workers' councils that formed the backbone of earlier successful {however short-lived) anarchist revolutions.
Not only is the affinity group the best format for getting things done, it's practically essential You should always attend any event that might prove exciting in an affinity T"' ""'""'
Let jive girls and boys meet who
are resolued to the lightning of
action rather than the quiet agony
of survival?from that moment, despair ends and tactics begin.
Affinity Croups 32
group?not to mention the ones that won't be otherwise! Without a structure that encourages ideas to flow into action, without friends with whom to brainstorm and barnstorm and build up momentum, you are paralyzed, cut off from much of your own potential; with them, you are multiplied by ten, or ten thousand! "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world," as Margaret Mead wrote: "it's the only thing that ever has." She was referring, whether she knew the jargon or not, to affinity groups. If every individual in every action against the state and status quo participated as part of a tight-knit, dedicated affinity group, this revolution would be over in a few short years.
You don't need to find a revolutionary organization to join to get active?^you and your friends already comprise one! Together, you can change the world. Stop wondering what's going to happen, or why noffiing's happening, and start deciding what will happen. Don't just show up at the next demonstration, protest, punk show, traffic jam, or day at work in passive spectator mode, waiting to be told what to do. Get in the habit of trading crazy ideas about what shoiild happen at these events?and of making those ideas reality!
